ArsenalArsenal have become the first club to provide a permanent British Sign Language (BSL) service, in conjunction with Level Playing Field’s Unite For Access campaign.
The current Premier League table-toppers lead the way off the pitch, with the implementation of this new mainstay provision at the Emirates.
The use of interpreters at pitch side and “Goal!!” handshapes, which had been trialled in the weeks prior, followed tireless work from the Arsenal Disability Liaison Team and Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association.
The incorporation of BSL on matchdays has been growing, with part of the EFL’s commitment to United for Access seeing the national anthem signed at Wembley ahead of the Carabao Cup Final, but Arsenal now offer a service on their pre-match and half-time live broadcast for every home game.
Speaking about Arsenal’s aim of making the matchday experience accessible to all, the club’s CEO, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “Our mission is to ensure everyone feels welcome at Arsenal.
“The introduction of BSL at Emirates Stadium has been enabled by lots of hard work from supporters and colleagues, and we’ll keep pushing to ensure all our supporters, whatever their background, can experience Arsenal in an equal way.”
Arsenal’s Disability Access Manager, Jon Dyster, added: “We trialled BSL at Emirates Stadium for four or five games and now we are the first club to have it fully integrated on big screens and with a pitch side BSL interpreter translating everything our presenter is saying.
“This is a significant step forward in our drive to make our matchdays more accessible. We know from our conversations with supporters that these improvements have such a positive impact on their matchday experience.”
Arsenal supporter Christopher Clelland was featured on the big screen when his side officially launched the scheme, ahead of their Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth.
Clelland shared his experience, as a Deaf Gooner: “I am profoundly Deaf and British Sign Language is my first language. I have been a long-term fan of Arsenal Football Club and eventually fortunate enough to be a season ticket holder. I attend matches regularly, along with many other Deaf fans.
“I have been working with Arsenal Disability Liaison Team and Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association (ADSA) for some time, in regard to having ‘accessible information’ for Deaf fans at matches. Now with their support, this has been achieved, with the trial of interpreters at pitch side which is very exciting. This is a huge step for Arsenal and Deaf fans, who can now enjoy the same access to information as other fans and be included in any pre-match discussions, interviews and special events, by having these interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL) live on screen.
“At the Arsenal vs Newcastle match on 3rd January, I was completed stunned when I gazed up at the large screen and realised an Interpreter (Tara Asher) was shown, alongside Nigel Mitchell. When I looked up, I felt lost for words and it was amazing to be able to follow the dialogue, along with other fans in the stadium. This had quite an impact on me, since often Deaf fans are unable to follow any side discussions.
“On 22nd January, when watching the Arsenal vs Man Utd at Emirates Stadium, when we won 3-2, to see Arsenal score three goals and to see in sign language the handshape “Goal!!” for the first time… and then again for next two goals was just absolutely fantastic. I applaud Jon Dyster, the Disability Access Manager, for all his work in making this happen.
“This is really important for Deaf BSL users who continue to campaign for accessibility. Back in 2003, the British Government recognised BSL as a language in its own right and as an indigenous language used in the UK. However, last year, the Deaf Community successfully campaigned for the “BSL Act 2022” which came into force 28th June 2022. This Act will create greater recognition and understanding of BSL, and inclusion and equality for BSL users by legally recognising BSL as a language for England, Wales, and Scotland.”
This English was translated by a Qualified Registered BSL interpreter.
The Arsenal v Bournemouth fixture also saw the club’s recent signing Jorginho appear on the big screen, to show some sign language which he began learning during lockdown, in addition to two mascots with non-visible disabilities, Kaya (Arsenal) and Clayton (AFC Bournemouth).
Level Playing Field Chief Executive, Owain Davies, was in attendance at the match and said: “The reaction of supporters like Chris to developments like this, show just how important they are.
“It was a fantastic day to be part of and sees the club take another important step to improve inclusion for a section of supporters who were otherwise left out from part of the shared matchday experience.
“Credit must be given to Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association and the Arsenal Disability Liaison Team, who have achieved so much through their collaborative approach.
“Initiatives like this epitomise the spirit behind our Unite For Access campaign and I cannot wait to see more as we approach the final weekend.”
To find out more, or speak with people involved in this important provision, get in touch with Level Playing Field.